Reunion Celebration
24 March 2007
Programme Director, Mr Chele
Honourable Executive Mayor, Dr Mzangwa
Members of Senior Management present
Councillors present
District Officials
Former principals of the school
Representatives of students of different eras
Distinguished guests
Members of the media
Ladies and gentlemen
May I at the outset say that I am very honoured to have been invited to
address an occasion as estimable as this � the Thahameso student reunion
celebration. We are gathered here at this occasion to celebrate the reunion of
former students of this distinguished educational institution. This is
therefore, an unusual and historic occasion.
Thahameso Secondary School has produced a vast quantity of human talent over
the years, individuals who have made their mark in the education fraternity,
the arts, science, sports and even political leadership. They come from a
variety of backgrounds but have a common interest, and that is the affection
for the province and the country and its people.
Many of Thahameso's former students have naturally gravitated towards other
districts of the province and regions of the country where there has been a
demand for their skills and talents. Through their dedication and commitment
they have played a significant role in building South Africa's education and
other strengths. We who still live in the home province are proud of that
contribution to our provinces and country's overall prosperity and culture.
Part of the purpose of today's event is to recognise and honour it.
Programme Director, our education system during the apartheid era was
characterised by disparities and deficiencies brought about by the Bantu
Education Act. The Act stipulated that black people should not become qualified
for positions not envisaged for them. The Act also prompted a racially and
culturally segregated and differentiated education system. The disproportionate
distribution of resources made it difficult for us to acquire a decent
education. However, Africans were not deterred from pursuing their quest for
formal education. Schools such as Thahameso Secondary played a crucial role in
educating disadvantaged black people in South Africa. The list of distinguished
exponents produced by such institutions is endless, from educationists and
intellectuals to political and religious leaders, these people and others like
them have helped shape the destiny of our beloved country and our beautiful
province.
Thahameso Secondary is an example to us all, a shining example of what can
be achieved with dedication and commitment. It has educated a vanguard of men
and women who advanced and sustained the development of the Free State and
South Africa. It has contributed its share in producing top South African
achievers in all walks of life. People such as Mr Ralikontsane the Head of
Department for the Department of Local Government and Housing; Mr Mofokeng who
is a Deputy Director in the Office of the Presidency; a number of prominent
Councillors and high-profile educators are but some of the people who rose to
the occasion and utilised their education efficiency for the benefit of our
communities.
Today, Programme Director, is therefore much more than a reunion. It is a
meeting of great minds. Today we celebrate the educational and socio-economic
achievements of our institution, recognise all of you present here today for
the role you have each played in flying the Thahameso Secondary flag high
through your individual achievements and urge you to walk the next mile with us
as we ensure the province reaches greater heights, educationally, economically
and otherwise. I therefore invite you to contribute further in any way you can
to make reality of the plans we in the Free State Department of Education have
for it.
As I mentioned earlier, the history of this institution is fascinating as it
resonates with our pursuit of educational excellence. This institution has
undergone many changes and faced numerous obstacles since its inception. And
yet its essence has stood firm. It is imperative therefore, for the former
students of this school to explore ways in which the legacy of this institution
might influence the future. As the former students and role models you have to
communicate the importance of education to our youth. We have to join forces in
order to reduce the high illiteracy rate facing our country today; we owe it to
our young people.
I wish to commend all students who successfully graduated from this
institution. I also pay homage to the current crop of educators and all former
educators and management who throughout the years remained dedicated towards
the education of learners at this school. To the organisers of today's event,
thank you for this magnificent and well-planned occasion. May this reunion be a
moment of joy and happiness, a moment to remember in years to come.
In closing let me salute each one of you for your unstinting commitment to
uplifting the quality of life of all of our people in the Free State and South
Africa as a whole.
I thank you
Issued by: Department of Education, Free State Provincial Government
24 March 2007
Source: Free State Provincial Government (http://www.fs.gov.za)
